Mary Beth Nierengarten is a freelance medical writer with over 25 years of experience. Her work appears regularly in a number of print and online publications.
Because appropriate early treatment of anxiety disorders is key to either preventing or reducing a negative impact on a child's life, it's important for the clinician to diagnose the correct disorder by identifying the "threat" and feared stimuli. Here's a look at 7 types of anxiety disorders and their common behaviors.
Because appropriate early treatment of anxiety disorders is key to either preventing or reducing a negative impact on a child's life, it's important for the clinician to diagnose the correct disorder by identifying the "threat" and feared stimuli. Here's a look at 7 types of anxiety disorders and their common behaviors.
Disorder type
Separation anxiety disorder: Excessive fear/anxiety about being separated from a major person of attachment.
Common behaviors
Sleeping with caregiver, following them around, avoiding school/camp/other activities.
Disorder type
Generalized anxiety disorder: General feeling of dread linked to the perception of the unpredictability or uncontrollability of events or situations.
Common behaviors
Seeks constant reassurance, difficulty focusing due to worries, difficulty sleeping, irritable/restless.
Disorder type
Social anxiety disorder: Fear of embarrassment or humiliation by others.
Common behaviors
Avoidance behaviors (raising hand or speaking in class, ordering food in restaurants, talking on the phone).
Disorder type
Panic disorder: Fear of panic attacks or consequences.
Common behaviors
Avoids activities, such as heavy exercise, linked to strong sensations; avoids places where prior panic attacks have occurred.
Disorder type
Agoraphobia: Fear of being in places where escape may be difficult or help not available.
Common behaviors
Avoids leaving the house and crowded/enclosed spaces.
Disorder type
Specific phobia: Fear of specific object or situation.
Common behaviors
Intense fear of specific objects, such as an animal, needles, or blood, and avoids them.
Disorder type
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): Fear of unwanted thoughts, images, or urges.
Common behaviors
Constant worries about germs, harming others; engages in ritualized activities such as hand washing.
